Nudokubi Abu | A Hidden 22-Metre Sinkhole Cave in the Sugarcane Fields (Irabu, Miyako)

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2026年06月19日

Nudokubi Abu is a natural sinkhole cave about 22 metres deep, opening quietly within the sugarcane fields of Irabu Island. "Nudokubi" means throat in the Miyako dialect, and "abu" means a vertical shaft, and true to the name, a distinctive landform that has dropped greatly into the ground spreads out. Descending a narrow, steep stairway from the north-east side, a mysterious space appears where banyan roots hanging from above cling to the rugged rock face and light streams in from the opening in the ceiling. From its silence-wrapped atmosphere, it is cherished as a little-known power spot. During the war it was also used as an air-raid shelter, and it is a place where you can feel history, with the stove remains and stairs of the time still remaining. Easy to access at about 5 minutes by car from the Irabu Ohashi Bridge, it can be viewed free of charge. It is recommended for those who want to visit a hidden spot rarely listed in guidebooks.

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Map & Access

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Basic Information

Location (Island)Irabu Island
AddressIkemazoe 1229, Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa
Hours / Opening time24 hours (always open)
ClosedNone (always open)
FeeFree
ParkingNone (you can park one car each at two points where the road widens near the sign. Take care not to obstruct traffic).
ContactNone

Visiting tips & what to bring

The stairway is narrow and steep, and the cave interior is dim, so watch your footing. After rain the ground becomes muddy and slippery, so easy-to-walk footwear or marine shoes give peace of mind. There are many mosquitoes, so insect-repellent spray is essential. There is no shade, toilet or shop, and no street lighting, so a visit during clear daytime hours is recommended. Pay respect to the local sacred place: do not climb the stone stacks, which may be an utaki.

For families with small children

It is unsuitable for families with children aged 0 to 6. The stairway down into the cave is narrow and steep with insufficient handrails, and becomes muddy and slippery after rain, so the footing is dangerous for small children. There is no lighting, toilet or baby facilities. Viewing with infants is hard to recommend for safety, and if you do visit, always have an adult firmly carry them and do not force your way down into the cave.

FAQ

Q.How do you get there? Do you need a car?

A.It is within the sugarcane fields with no public transport, so a car is essential. Cross the Irabu Ohashi Bridge and head toward Makiyama Observatory, and there is a Nudokubi Abu sign in a corner of the fields. There is a point registered on Google Maps, so using navigation is reliable.

Q.Is there parking?

A.There is no dedicated car park. There is only room for one car each at two points where the road widens near the sign. As it is a farm road, park considerately so as not to obstruct traffic such as sugarcane harvest vehicles.

Q.What should I be careful about with clothing and items?

A.As the stairway is steep and can be muddy, easy-to-walk footwear or marine shoes give peace of mind. There are many mosquitoes, so insect-repellent spray is essential. The cave is dim, so a phone light is handy.

Q.How long does a visit take?

A.About 15 to 20 minutes just to go down the stairway and look around the cave. Even enjoying photography at a relaxed pace, you can view it in about 30 minutes. It fits easily into a tour as a drop-by spot.

Q.Is there an admission fee? Can you visit on a rainy day?

A.Admission is free and it is open at all times. Entry is possible even on a rainy day, but the ground becomes muddy and the stairway slippery and dangerous, so a visit during clear daytime is safe and recommended.